Halpern interview

Here is today’s interview with Jeff Halpern, after he completed his first practice with the Kings…

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Question: What were your thoughts when the trade went down?

HALPERN: “I think everyone in the league has been impressed with the way this team has played all year. It’s an honor to be able to jump into that and be able to be in this playoff push with them. Any time you get traded, you have emotions both ways, but I think, for me, I’m excited to move forward.”

Question: Did you have any idea that the trade was coming?

HALPERN: “No. There were a couple rumors and stuff like that. I hadn’t heard L.A., and up until a certain point, Tampa was saying that they would be big buyers. I didn’t know what was going to happen, but I don’t think anything would be real surprising at this time of year.”

Question: Do you have any thoughts as to the type of role you can fill here?

HALPERN: “I’ll try to jump in and just support what’s been going on here. I’d like to think that, going into the playoffs, I’ll be able to add solid play at both ends of the ice and be able to contribute in different ways, however the coach needs me.”

Question: You’ve worn No. 11 in every NHL game that you’ve played. A little bit of an adjustment (to wearing No. 22)?

HALPERN: “Well, they’ve got a pretty good `11′ here. It’s not really an adjustment. It’s just something different. I’ve always said that the NHL is such a special place to play. As long as you get a locker and a number, you’re pretty happy.”